News from the Oklahoma Corporation
Commission
Phone: (405)
521-4180, FAX: (405) 521-6945 m.skinner@occmail.occ.state.ok.us
Be Prepared
Commission’s new web page
offers vital consumer info on utility costs
If present trends hold, Oklahomans
face higher utility bills in the near future. That’s the projection of the Oklahoma
Energy Outlook, a new tool Oklahomans can use to better plan their utility
budgets. The Oklahoma Energy Outlook section of the Oklahoma Corporation
Commission’s web site offers projections regarding natural gas and electric
bills, projected energy prices, Oklahoma oil and gas production data, and other
energy information.
“Our hope is to truly empower
consumers by giving them the data they need to
be prepared when it comes to their
utility costs,” explained Commission Chairman Denise Bode. “Energy prices have
become increasingly volatile. These sharp swings can cause nasty surprises when
you open your utility bill. The one thing that’s worse than getting a high bill
is getting a high bill your weren’t prepared for and didn’t expect.”
Commissioner Jeff Cloud says the
new offering is a chance for Oklahoma taxpayers to directly tap the expertise
of the Commission’s Oil and Gas Conservation Division and the Public Utility
Division.
“The analysts we employ in both
divisions are among the best in the business. While no one can say with
certainty what will happen with energy prices, our staff has the experience and
knowledge needed to give consumers a foundation from which to make decisions
regarding their energy use,” said Cloud.
Vice-Chairman Bob Anthony praised
Oklahoma’s utilities for their cooperation in the project.
“Oklahoma’s gas and electric
providers were gracious in responding to our requests for the data we needed
for this new service, and quickly provided us the information that was needed,”
said Anthony.
The Oklahoma Energy Outlook link
can be found on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s web home page www.occ.state.ok.us . It should be
stressed that is the early phase of a work in progress, and much more
information will be added over the coming weeks.
-occ-
(All OCC advisories and news
releases are available at the Commission web site www.occ.state.ok.us)